Enoch
He Who Walked with GodThe seventh from Adam who walked so closely with God that he was taken to heaven without experiencing death
Enoch is one of only two people in Scripture who never died (the other being Elijah). Genesis states twice that he 'walked with God' - an intimate phrase indicating close fellowship and obedience. After 365 years, 'he was no more, because God took him.' Hebrews says he was 'taken away so that he did not experience death' and 'before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.' Jude quotes Enoch's prophecy about the Lord coming with thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment. Enoch's translation foreshadows the rapture of believers and demonstrates that intimate fellowship with God is possible even in a fallen world. His relatively short lifespan (by pre-Flood standards) ended not in death but in glory.
Original Name
חֲנוֹךְ (Chanokh)
Meaning
Dedicated, Initiated, Trained
Etymology
Enoch's name (Chanokh) comes from the root 'chanak' meaning 'to dedicate' or 'to train up' (as in Proverbs 22:6 - 'train up a child'). The same root gives us 'Hanukkah' (dedication). His name reflects a life dedicated to God.
Linguistic Insights
The phrase 'walked with God' (hithalekh et ha-Elohim) uses the reflexive form of 'halakh' (to walk), suggesting continuous, habitual walking in fellowship with God. This phrase is used only of Enoch and Noah in Genesis. The statement 'he was not' (eynenu) rather than 'he died' sets Enoch apart from all other Genesis 5 patriarchs. When Hebrews says he was 'translated' (metatithemi), it means he was transferred from one realm to another. Enoch being 'seventh from Adam' (Jude 14) is significant - seven being the number of completion. His 365-year lifespan corresponds to the days in a solar year, perhaps symbolizing completeness of his earthly pilgrimage. Jewish tradition associates Enoch with extensive heavenly revelation.
Translation Notes
- •Hebrew 'Chanokh' gives us 'Enoch' in English
- •Same root as 'Hanukkah' (dedication)
- •'Walked with God' - intimate fellowship language
- •'He was not' - unique phrase, not 'he died'
Related Terms
Born to Jared when Jared was 162
Genesis 5:18Fathered Methuselah at 65 years old
Genesis 5:21Walked with God for 300 years
Genesis 5:22Prophesied about the Lord's coming judgment
Jude 14-15Taken by God without dying at 365 years
Genesis 5:24Genesis 5:22
"After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters."
Genesis 5:24
"Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away."
Hebrews 11:5
"By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: 'He could not be found, because God had taken him away.' For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God."
Jude 1:14
"Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: 'See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones.'"
Born
c. 3382 BC
Died
c. 3017 BC (translated)
Lifespan
365 years (then taken by God)